House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) issued a sharp warning Friday to former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, saying both could face contempt of Congress proceedings if they fail to comply with subpoenas demanding sworn testimony in the committee’s ongoing investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and his network.
The warning marks a significant escalation in a probe that has steadily expanded in scope, public attention, and political tension — particularly following the recent release of thousands of documents and photographs from Epstein’s estate.
Subpoenas Issued Months Ago — Compliance Still Pending
According to committee records, the Clintons were among 10 individuals subpoenaed as part of the House Oversight Committee’s investigation into Epstein’s crimes and the circumstances that allowed him to operate for years with powerful connections.
The subpoenas were approved in July by the Federal Law Enforcement Subcommittee and formally issued in August, seeking testimony related to Epstein’s activities and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who was later convicted on federal sex-trafficking charges.
Despite the passage of several months, Comer says the Clintons have yet to appear.
“It has been more than four months since Bill and Hillary Clinton were subpoenaed to sit for depositions related to our investigation,” Comer said in a statement.
“Throughout that time, the former President and former Secretary of State have delayed, obstructed, and largely ignored the Committee staff’s efforts to schedule their testimony.”
Depositions Rescheduled — But Time Is Running Out
Committee officials say the Clintons were initially scheduled to provide sworn depositions in October, but those appearances were postponed following discussions between committee staff and the Clintons’ attorney, David Kendall.
According to Comer, new dates were later set:
- December 17 for Bill Clinton
- December 18 for Hillary Clinton
However, Comer emphasized that the committee’s patience has limits.
“If the Clintons fail to appear for their depositions next week or schedule a date for early January,” Comer warned,
“the Oversight Committee will begin contempt of Congress proceedings to hold them accountable.”
A contempt referral would represent a serious procedural step, potentially leading to a vote by the full House.
What the Committee Is Investigating
The Oversight Committee has made clear that its inquiry is not limited to any single individual, but rather focused on understanding:
- Epstein’s access to political, financial, and social elites
- Whether institutions failed to act on known warning signs
- Whether federal agencies mishandled investigations or granted preferential treatment
Committee members stress that being subpoenaed does not imply criminal wrongdoing, but reflects a determination that testimony may be relevant to fact-finding.
Epstein, a wealthy financier, died in federal custody in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide, but it sparked widespread public skepticism and congressional scrutiny.
Timing Coincides With Release of Epstein Estate Photos
Comer’s warning came just hours after Democrats on the Oversight Committee released 19 additional photographs obtained from Epstein’s estate, part of a massive cache of more than 95,000 images turned over in response to a subpoena.
The released photos included images of several high-profile figures, among them:
- Bill Clinton
- Donald Trump
- Prince Andrew
Committee Democrats emphasized that the images do not depict criminal conduct and that appearances in photographs alone do not establish wrongdoing.
Nevertheless, the timing intensified political attention on the investigation — and added pressure on witnesses who have not yet complied with subpoenas.
Clinton Associations With Epstein Have Long Been Scrutinized
Bill Clinton’s past association with Epstein has been the subject of reporting for years. Clinton has previously acknowledged that he encountered Epstein socially and during charitable or political events, but has denied any knowledge of or involvement in criminal activity.
Hillary Clinton has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, and neither Clinton has been charged with any crime related to the investigation.
Committee officials emphasize that the purpose of the depositions is to clarify facts, not to pre-judge outcomes.
Contempt of Congress: What It Means
If the Oversight Committee proceeds with contempt charges, it would require:
- A committee vote recommending contempt
- A vote by the full House of Representatives
- Potential referral to the Department of Justice
Historically, contempt proceedings are rare but not unprecedented, particularly in high-profile investigations involving executive officials or former officeholders.
Legal experts note that contempt referrals often serve as leverage to compel compliance rather than as an endpoint.
Democrats Push Back, Call Probe Political
Democrats on the Oversight Committee have criticized Comer’s handling of the investigation, accusing Republicans of selectively targeting political opponents while downplaying other associations involving Epstein.
They argue the probe risks becoming politicized rather than focused on institutional accountability.
Republicans counter that equal treatment under the law requires all subpoenaed witnesses — regardless of party or status — to comply.
“Congressional oversight doesn’t stop at former presidents,” one GOP staffer said privately. “Subpoenas aren’t suggestions.”
Epstein Investigation Continues to Expand
Beyond the Clintons, the committee continues to review:
- Thousands of emails and electronic records
- Financial documents
- Photographs and property records
- Prior law-enforcement decisions related to Epstein
Both Republicans and Democrats have called on the Department of Justice to release additional Epstein-related files, arguing that transparency is essential to restoring public trust.
A High-Stakes Moment for Congressional Oversight
Comer’s warning signals that the Oversight Committee is prepared to escalate if witnesses do not cooperate — a move that could further polarize an already contentious investigation.
For now, attention remains focused on whether the Clintons will appear as scheduled.
As Comer put it plainly:
“No one is above congressional oversight. Not now. Not ever.”
What Happens Next
If the Clintons comply, the depositions could mark a major milestone in the investigation. If they do not, the House may soon face a consequential decision about whether to enforce its subpoenas through contempt proceedings.
Either way, the Epstein investigation — long clouded by secrecy, delay, and unanswered questions — shows no sign of slowing down.
And for Congress, the issue at stake is larger than any one name:
Whether oversight still has teeth — even when powerful figures are involved.